2003 Ford Explorer steering problems
28 complaints about steering have been filed for the 2003 Ford Explorer, which is 2% of all its NHTSA complaints.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 28 2% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 99,000 miles 24 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 24 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 99,000 miles, and 33% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 crashes, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 45 MPH the steering wheel locked without warning. Suddenly, the driver loss control of vehicle and crashed into a bridge. The air bags deployed with the massive impact. The police was called to the scene. The driver was taken to the hospital. The driver sustained moderate injuries to the back neck and chest. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center. The cause of failure has not been determined at this time.
The vehicle projects a significant whining noise from the rear end and a vibration forward through the steering column. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and the dealership will not offer us an alternative vehicle to use. We have been informed that the manufacturer will need at least 3 months to figure out a solution.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer
- Body & structure 366 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 197 complaints
- Transmission 161 complaints
- Engine 86 complaints
- Suspension 69 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 62 complaints
- Wheels 59 complaints
- Electrical system 54 complaints